With the Ospreys getting ready to face off against Leicester Tigers on Sunday, we sat down with Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler to talk over his rugby pathway and what he thinks of our new alternate kit.
How did you start playing rugby?
I started rugby from a young age, about three or four I think. My brother’s tag rugby team were short of a player so they called upon me and I joined in. I’ve loved it ever since.
Was it always a goal of yours to play for the Ospreys?
Growing up in the region, you always want to play for the Ospreys. As kids you watched the invincibles and you wanted to be on the pitch playing with them. It was always a big aspiration of mine playing for the Ospreys.
Any moments that stick out to you from your playing career?
I got into the youth setup at the Ospreys early but I remember playing my first game for Trebanos seniors, that was a great moment for me.
I think the main one that sticks out for me though was my first game for the Ospreys. I remember going to the game as a travelling reserve and I think one of the boys couldn’t play, before I knew it I was on the bench and next thing I was on the pitch. It was a great way for it to happen because I didn’t have time to think, I just went on and made my debut.
What does it mean to you to have the 77 clubs’ colours on our alternate kit?
It’s brilliant to have the representation of the 77 clubs that feed into the Ospreys. At the end of the day, we’re playing for those clubs and those people. The clubs are the reason we’re here now and it’s great that we’re able to have them on our jersey when we’re playing in the Heineken Champions Cup.